BLOOD is the seat of the soul. The river of forgetfulness. Careful what you put it on, and what you put in it. Any religious practice that demands of you to shed blood in its name is the first and foremost giveaway of its depravity. The CONTRACT is the second giveaway. If you must sign a contract of any sorts to partake in spiritual practice - whether it be by blood or not - is the second giveaway of its depravity. Just remember these basic rules so you're not deceived. All of these are journeyman, pseudo-religious practices and they are wholly powerless - the only power they might have over you is if your belief system falls in line with the theatrics of the ritual at play. The purified versions of these ritual acts are ones that involve water, just plain water, and an oath pronounced only by word and not etched in paper or stone. Even if you are deceived, don't fall into fear. Remember that without your input and your belief system being tricked into empowering these rituals - they are completely powerless. If you are a gentle soul and feel like you deserve punishment for certain wrongdoings, don't ever ask for punishment - ask forgiveness instead.